Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have arrested a suspected explosives-making expert allegedly linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in Abia State.

The development was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on his official X handle, citing security sources.

According to the sources, the operation was carried out at about 3:50 a.m. on July 12 at Ummuene community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

The sources said troops from the Headquarters, 14 Brigade, working alongside DSS operatives from the Abia and Enugu State Commands, stormed the suspect’s hideout following credible intelligence.

“The operation led to the arrest of the suspect, described as an alleged explosives-making specialist for the IPOB/ESN network,” the sources said.

The sources added that two mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.

“The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the DSS Abia State Command for further investigation and other necessary actions,” the sources stated.

They noted that the arrest was part of ongoing security efforts in the region.

“The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led security operations aimed at dismantling criminal and extremist networks operating in the South-East,” the sources added.

Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, have kidnapped a 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victim was identified as Mr Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as ‘Onaiye’

The victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said his father was returning from a visit to his farm when he was intercepted and abducted by the armed assailants.

According to him, shortly after the kidnapping, the abductors contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of thirty million naira for his release.

During a search for the victim on Sunday, the victim’s motorcycle was recovered after being abandoned abandoned in a bush.

The community expressed deep sadness over the incident, appealing to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other security agencies to intervene swiftly and secure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Kolawale.

Spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mr Owoade Mathew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and arrest the perpetrator,” he said.

This latest incident happened after the federal government announced the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers Kidnapped in the same state.

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The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Musbawu Amodu, for allegedly beating his 20-year-old wife to death after she reportedly refused to cook at their home in Agyaragu, Obi Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the suspect was arrested following a complaint that he had assaulted his wife, who later died from the injuries she sustained.

According to Nansel, the suspect admitted during interrogation that he attacked his wife after becoming angry when she allegedly declined to cook.

“The suspect confessed to committing the act out of anger after the deceased allegedly refused to prepare food. An argument ensued, which escalated into a physical altercation that ultimately resulted in her death.” Nansel said.

Police said the couple had been married for six years and had two children, a boy and a girl.

The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia for a thorough and expedited investigation.

He assured the public that justice would be served and that the suspect would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.